AES E-Library

AES E-Library

Interchannel Interference at the Listening Position in a Five-channel Loudspeaker Configuration

It is commonly-accepted thinking that the use of a five-channel surround sound reproduction system increases the size of the listening area over that for two-channel stereophonic systems. In actual fact, for many types of program material, the area of this so-called "sweet spot" is reduced due to interference between the channels at the listener's ears. This effect is described and analysed through theoretical evaluation and psychoacoustic listening tests.